Nation

Lorry operators upset over hefty fines

JOHOR BARU: Lorry operators here have expressed dissatisfaction over what they claimed as excessive court fines recently for overloading offences.

Fines in the past ranged between RM1,000 and RM15,000, said Johor Sand and Granite Lorry Operators Association president Chia Jee Onn.

He added that on Monday, at least four companies were fined between RM100,000 and RM200,000 by the courts – three cases for overloading and one for not displaying their licence.

Chia said the association would be writing to the judiciary to find out why the fines were so high this time.

“We are also going to file an appeal against this decision,” he said, adding that the association was not against the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) operation on overloading, but imposing heavy fines was not the right way to educate drivers.

A SPAD spokesman said they respected the court’s decision.

He added that overloading was a serious offence as it not only damaged the road but could also endanger other road users.

He urged those who wanted to report overloaded vehicles to contact their hotline at SPAD Aduan Hotline (1-800-88-7723) or e-mail aduan@spad.gov.my.